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Sports Reporter
ORGANISERS of the Mr Pace Post Insurance Road Race have said they are on track in their preparations for the competition scheduled for this weekend in Harare.
Participants will compete in 21km, 10km, 5km and 1km races on Saturday. The half-marathon will start and finish at the National Sports Stadium. Mr Pace Athletics Club chairperson Collen Makaza said they are fine-tuning their preparations for the competition.
“We are on track. I think from our last meeting, the route marking was done.
“It’s becoming a big race and an annual event. So, in terms of numbers, we have increased participants” said Makaza.
Registration for the event closes tomorrow.
Some of the athletes expected to take part include Miriam Sibanda, Wellington Varevi, Precious Makaza, and Wayne Kabondo.
“I think those ones are some of the top athletes we are expecting. This year the race is running under the theme: Mental health wellness. We are hopeful of athletes posting better times because our route is a flat course.
“So, we are hopeful of fast times than last year,” Makaza said.
Kabondo is set to compete in the half-marathon and is going for the title in this third edition of the event.
“This is my first time competing in the race. I am expecting a win because it’s being hosted by our club. I run for Mr Pace and they are the race organisers, so I am trying hard to focus on winning.
“So far, my training is going well. I don’t have any challenges right now. I don’t know what will happen on the day, but I will try my best to produce good results for the club.
“I have won in Victoria Falls, and the 21km at the Commissioner General of Police race. That one I did 1hour 4minutes, so my previous times they are okay.
“From last year I have been focusing on 21km. I have maintained my times, and even in terms of experience I am improving. I have maintained my spot in the top three in most races I have competed in,” said Kabondo.
In the 10km race, Varevi is seeking to improve his time as he prepares for the ABSA Series in South Africa. Varevi was part of Team Zimbabwe at the African Games and goes into the race as one of the favourites.
“I am targeting to run under 28:30. That’s my desire because I am preparing for Absa race first week of July. So that’s my target, if I run under 28:30 on a tough course I can do better when I go to South Africa.
“At the moment I also want to assess my fitness. I have been working hard and I have made some progress but I just want to see how it goes in a competitive race. After the race I can then decide what else needs to be done,” said Varevi.
The club organises the race in partnership with Zimpost, who are the main sponsors.
Winners for the half-marathon will get US$500 each.
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